Mesolongi (or Messolonghi) Festivals

Mesolongi Festivals, Greece: Information about the Festivals of Mesolongi, Sterea

The festivals in Mesolongi (or Messolonghi) are lively occasions when the tranquil atmosphere of the city gets more colourful and cheerful.

One of the most important celebrations is the Trikoupia, a series of cultural events dedicated to the memory of Spyridon Trikoupis,who was a Mesologuite author, orator, statesman and diplomat and his son Charilaos, who served as a Prime Minister of Greece seven times from 1875 until 1895.

Among the cultural activities held at that date, we can mention the

In fact, this date is also related to the exodus, as this was the first refuge where the survivors managed to escape. Zyrgos can be found at 8 km east from Mesolongi.

Although the fairs organised on this celebration have economical importance apart from religious, the fact of being connected to the exodus gives it an important vibe that is related to the roots of the Mesologites, to the point that it was even held during the remaining time of the Turkish domination, with the Turk permission.

Once they go along the streets of the city -some men on foot and others on horse- they make a stop at the garden of the Heroes and then get to Agios Spyridon monastery.

After praying, each group goes to its corresponding place, where their integrants hang their jewels. Then, the celebration begins with local songs and dances that extend over the following morning. But the occasion does not finish at this point, as the following night, the groups come back to Mesolongi and they are welcomed by the people at the entrance of the town.

great concerts held in the Trikoupion Concert Hall and the seminar classes that are sometimes scheduled. This is also a good occasion to appreciate the Municipal Chorus of Mesolongi.

Another celebration is referred to the legendary Exodus, occurred after Mesolongi was sought by the Turk. This heroic act has been reminded along the decades by different means, and the remembrance of its anniversary, celebrated every year on the week-end before Easter is one of them.

Another important date on Mesolongi's schedule is the St Simon fair. It takes place in the monastery after the same name, which is dedicated to the Patron saint of the city, and extends over three days, staring at the dawn of the Pentecost. This monastery dates from the 18th century and can be found on a green ravine called Zyrgos, where the massacre of the sabotaged Exodus took place.

During that time, people went to this monastery on the Sunday of Pentecost, and to the church on the Holly Spirit Monday. Once in there, they cooked some meat, after which they celebrated and danced.

As years went by, this tradition started to be left behind because of the revolution. But after the liberation, it came back with renovated strength, given by the significance of the evolved events. In fact, right after the celebration finishes, the one for the next year starts to be planned.

One of the most remarkable features that can be mentioned about this festival is the dressing of men, who get armed and dressed up in a traditional way and wear jewels and other accessories. Men get divided into different organised groups, and the whole procession is accompanied by music coming from the traditional instruments and two clarinets.

After that, the celebration goes on, with the traditional dance of the dead, which revolves around the subject of the death and resurrection of the celebrators. Other interesting occasion in Mesolongi is the horse-race of Evinochori, which takes place every year on May the 1st.

The Lord Byron festival of literature and art celebrated in September is also very interesting. In addition, the municipality authorities also organise interesting cultural events along the months of July and August, such as the Acheloos Rock festival.

.......................................................................................................................................................
Back: + Mesolongi Home + About Mesolongi + Greece Cultural events + Greece Home More: + Pictures + Map + Hotels	Related: Museums

Greece > Mesolongi Greece > Mesolongi Festivals

top of the page

More links: athens greece | greece maps | greece travel | greece hotels | travel links

<< back ::

:: sitemap >>